Wellington: Veteran left-arm spinner Daniel Vettori became New Zealand's most capped ODI cricketer as the hosts went in to bat first in the sixth one-day against Sri Lanka in Dunedin.

Vettori broke Stephen Fleming's record career tally of 279 appearances as the left-armer came in for Nathan McCullum in the spinners' rotation for his 280th ODI appearance.

New Zealand Cricket president Stephen Boock gave a special presentation to Vettori before play, and the bowler lead the team when they took the field later on Sunday, after posting a 316-run target for Sri Lanka to win, Stuff.co.nz reported.

New Zealand made two changes, with senior paceman Kyle Mills replacing Tim Southee for his first ODI since December 8, having been sidelined with a groin strain.

Captain Brendon McCullum won a rare toss, and decided to bat first. Batsmen Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor posted 97 and 96 runs individually to help New Zealand post the big 316-run target against Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka were again without regular skipper Angelo Mathews who suffered a calf strain and would miss a second successive game.

New Zealand currently lead the seven-match series 3-1 with two to play and they can grab a series win if they beat Sri Lanka in Sunday's match, the report added.